‘Allergy Awareness Week’ 2026 arrives at a defining moment for schools. With an estimated twenty percent of severe allergic reactions occurring in school settings, it highlights the ongoing need to keep every pupil safe, whatever their medical needs may be1. This year also marks a major shift, new statutory guidance led by the Benedict Blythe Foundation, introduces the first clear legal framework for managing food allergy in schools.

Benedict’s Law

In March 2026, the Department for Education announced landmark reforms that will take effect from September 2026, creating the first mandatory allergy safety standards for all schools in England2. Named in memory of Benedict Blythe, who died aged five following a severe allergic reaction at school, Benedict’s Law represents a significant step forward in aligning allergy management with wider safeguarding responsibilities.

Under the new guidance, schools must:

- Publish a standalone allergy policy

- Maintain spare emergency adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) on site

- Ensure all staff receive allergy and anaphylaxis training

- Strengthen incident reporting and learning procedures

- Provide Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) for all allergic pupils

The Whole-School Risk

Between 2–5% of UK children have a diagnosed food allergy, meaning almost every class includes at least one pupil at risk1. Exposure is not limited to dining halls or lunchtime. According to the Food Standards Agency, pupils may encounter allergens during3:

- Sharing of packed lunches

- Classroom cooking, science experiments or craft activities

- Celebrations, bake sales and charity events

- After-school clubs and sports fixtures

- Snack breaks or reward activities

The risk extends beyond physical exposure. Thirty‑two percent of allergic pupils report being bullied because of their allergy, highlighting the emotional and social dimensions of effective allergy management. A whole‑school approach is therefore essential, one that reaches far beyond catering and lunchtime supervision.

Foundations of Allergy‑Safe Practice

While Benedict’s Law introduces a regulatory framework, many existing good practices remain central to keeping pupils safe. Key components include4-6:

1. Clear identification and documentation

Effective systems typically include:

- Verified diagnoses

- Individual Healthcare Plans

- Allergy Action Plans

- Photo‑based identification

- Annual reviews

The Model Policy for Allergy at School, developed by Anaphylaxis UK, encourages schools to keep this information accessible and routinely updated1.

2. Strong communication with families

Regular dialogue builds trust and ensures shared understanding of triggers, symptoms and emergency procedures. This is especially important during transitions between year groups or when staff change. Catering teams should be included in these conversations, particularly when there is new catering staff or management. Ensuring pupils are included and receive the support they need to navigate food options safely remains essential.

3. Robust catering procedures

Schools must understand and identify the 14 major allergens, check ingredient substitutions and follow labelling requirements such as Natasha’s Law (2021)7. Catering teams should have regular training and follow protocols for manging identified medical diets. This requires the strict management of foods from delivery into the kitchen, storage, preparation, cooking, through to service. The School Food People’s (formerly known as LACA) Allergen Management Guidance for Catering in Education provides detailed advice on food preparation, segregated equipment and safe food storage4.

Preparing for September 2026

A range of programmes and training initiatives can support schools as they strengthen their allergy policies. The Schools Allergy Code, created by The Allergy Team and the Benedict Blythe Foundation, offers clear recommendations such as appointing a designated allergy lead, running regular emergency drills, providing annual staff training and fostering a culture that challenges stigma8. Schools may also join the Schools Allergy Register, offering families visible reassurance that best practice is being followed.

As the implementation date approaches, schools can begin by reviewing existing policies to ensure they are clearly signposted and easy for staff to follow. Key preparation steps include:

- Auditing current training levels and planning refreshers

- Embedding allergy training into induction and ongoing professional development

- Establishing systems for spare AAIs, including storage, access and staff responsibilities

- Improving consistency in information sharing with catering teams, supply teachers, lunchtime supervisors and extracurricular providers

- Strengthening incident response procedures and running regular emergency drills

These steps help build staff confidence and reduce anxiety around managing allergic reactions.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 reforms represent a major advance in allergy safeguarding. With clearer expectations, mandatory training and stronger emergency preparedness, schools will be better equipped than ever to protect pupils with food allergies. Embedding these practices will help ensure that every child can learn, play and thrive in a safe and inclusive environment.

References

1. Model Policy for Allergy at School. Anaphylaxis UK, Allergy UK, BSACI; 2024. https://www.bsaci.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Model-Policy-for-allergy-at-management-at-school-v2.1-090124.pdf

2. Department for Education. Stronger protections for children with allergies in school; 2026. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stronger-protections-for-children-with-allergies-in-school

3. Food Standards Agency. Allergen guidance for institutional caterers; 2025.

4. LACA. Allergen Management Guidance for Catering in Education; 2020. https://www.theschoolfoodpeople.co.uk/sites/default/files/attachment/basic-page/LACA%20Allergen%20Management%20Guidance%20(c)%20version%20SEPT%2020.pdf

5. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Care Pathway for Children with Anaphylaxis; 2011. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/stronger-protections-for-children-with-allergies-in-school

6. Anaphylaxis UK. Guidance for Primary Schools; 2025. https://www.narf.org.uk/

7. Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. Mandatory Allergy Safety Guidance for Schools; 2026.%20version%20SEPT%2020.pdf)

8. The Allergy Team & Benedict Blythe Foundation. Schools Allergy Code & Checklist; 2023–2024. https://www.allergyuk.org/information-and-support/at-school/